This term, the Junior Scholars Fair
brought together students, parents, and staff.
This event featured a series of 10 presentations
by the Junior Scholars. They presented
the research projects they have been
working on throughout the year.
This marks the final stage of their
Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) journey.
They hope to pass this assessment
and earn a GCSE-equivalent qualification
in Year 8 and 9 (2 or 3 years early)!
Miss Anna Thomas
Junior Scholars’ Programme Lead
As part of their work toward the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), students presented the results of their independent research on a wide range of fascinating topics. They also provided evaluations of their projects. The scholars’ presentations were a fantastic showcase of their hard work. A special thank you to our senior scholars from Years 11 to 13, whose mentorship played a key role in supporting each project.
To what extent should AI work alongside doctors for medical diagnoses?
Jessie Y9
Mentor: Sammy Y12
Jessie discusses AI’s role in enhancing medical diagnostics. She emphasises the need for collaboration with healthcare professionals to address emotional care gaps. She also advocates for explainable AI and ethical standards.
Presentation excerpt
This question is not only about whether AI may be helpful, but it should also be fully integrated into the process of saving lives and enhancing health outcomes.
Is technology beneficial to modern chess?
Alan Y9
Mentor: Tiger Y13
Chess is an incredibly strategic and mentally challenging game which is why I am a passionate chess enthusiast and through this paper I strive to explore how the technology of artificial intelligence, online tools and data analytics have influenced modern chess and also assess the benefits and drawbacks they bring.
Alan discusses the impact of technology on chess. He highlights enhancements in training and accessibility while addressing concerns about cheating.
Presentation excerpt
In addition, he showcases his tool, “Chesster”, to demonstrate these advancements. Its purpose is to let players who are far apart compete in real-time chess while still enjoying the hands-on experience of a physical board.
Alan created his own device called ‘Chesster’
To what extent does viral infection influence the genetic expression of human stem cells?
Ingrid Y7
Mentor: Nicholas Y13
Ingrid investigates how viral infections disrupt stem cell gene expression through interference with the cell cycle and DNA damage. She also analyses examples like HIV and HCV to illustrate potential immunosuppression and increased cancer risks.
Presentation excerpt
The goal of this thesis is to explore the defences of stem cells and the extent of how viral infections uniquely affect their genetic expression, considering how crucial they are to our development.
Why do civilisations collapse, and is our civilisation in danger of collapsing?
Ryan Y9
Mentor: Vincent Y11
Ryan explores the reasons behind the collapse of civilisation, including warfare, political corruption, economic challenges, and overpopulation. He argues that modern civilisation remains resilient due to advancements in technology, international cooperation, and the lessons learnt from historical civilisations such as the Roman Empire and the Maya.
Presentation excerpt
I would consider a collapsing civilisation to be the breakdown of the social bonds that bind a society together. It occurs when the economy, state, and cultural cohesion collapse, bringing about anarchy, misery, and a headlong descent into reduced living standards.
How does Music Affect the Brain?
Sophia Y8
Mentor: Michael Y12
Sophia examines music’s influence on cognitive abilities. She highlights its benefits for spatial intelligence, Alzheimer’s symptom relief, and children’s IQ development. She also acknowledges that some findings are controversial and require further validation.
Presentation excerpt
Music is a fundamental aspect of human culture. It influences emotions, tells stories, and helps people connect with each other.
To what degree can the choice of room colours effectively influence human behaviour, or is the impact overstated?
Sarah Y9
Mentors: Zhenni Y11
Sarah’s research demonstrates that room colours can influence behaviour. For example, blue promotes calmness while yellow enhances creativity. She emphasises the importance of individual and cultural differences, illustrating these effects through psychological studies.
Presentation excerpt
Colours can change how we feel, how our bodies respond, and what we do.
Does idol culture affect the mental health of young people positively or negatively?
Cathy Y9
Mentors: Regina Y12
Cathy analyses the dual impact of the idol culture on adolescents. She provides emotional support while also leading to issues like overconsumption and privacy invasion. She also advocates for a balanced approach to fandom.
Presentation excerpt
In the contemporary digital era, social media and entertainment have permeated various aspects of our lives, and idol culture has emerged as a powerful and pervasive phenomenon.
What is the main cause of World War 1?
Eason Y9
Mentor: Lilie Y12
Eason examines the causes of World War I, including militarism and nationalism, with Ferdinand’s assassination as a catalyst. He highlights how miscalculations escalated local conflicts into a global war.
Presentation excerpt
Militarism led to an arms race, alliances pulled many countries into the conflict, imperialism created competition, and nationalism increased tensions.
What is the cause of World War 2?
Jason Y9
Mentor: Issac Y12
Jason explores the origins of World War II. He focuses on the Treaty of Versailles, the Great Depression, and Axis expansionism. He notes that post-war imbalances and failed appeasement led to global conflict.
Presentation excerpt
World War II left Europe forever changed. The once mighty empires, weakened and financially drained, found their grip on their colonies loosening. Across the globe, a powerful wave of change was building – the fight for decolonisation.
What makes Elgar’s Enigma Variations unique, and what are the theories about its hidden theme?
Han Y9
Mentor: Casso Y13
Han analyses Elgar’s “Enigma Variations,” noting its reflection of friends’ traits and unresolved hidden themes.
Presentation excerpt
He also explores its classic status through musical codes and emotional depth.
Presentation excerpt
I observed the existing theories of the hidden theme, as well as the life of Elgar, the history behind the ‘Variations’ and introduced his wonderful music to more people.
The breeze carries the spirited discussions of engaged students, resonating with the city’s constant pulse of innovation. It also reflects a harmony between youthful enthusiasm and Shenzhen’s creative momentum.
To gain insight into the academic journey of Harrow Shenzhen’s young scholars, reserve your spot for the open day on May 17th and witness the growth of future leaders.
Harrow Shenzhen extends the warmest of welcomes to all prospective parents and pupils at its Open Events. You will have the chance to meet key staff, visit our outstanding facilities, interact with current pupils and see for yourselves just what makes our School so different.
